A: Juniors are elementary school age kids, rising 2nd through 5th graders
Seniors are secondary age kids, rising 6th graders and up.
For campers "on the cusp," between junior and senior, we will change their groups to keep friends
together.

The group designation is more important in sports than in technology. Because of our individualized
instruction, campers will learn what they are ready for and proceed at their own pace in either Junior
or Senior technology. In sports, it is important to play with other kids the same age and size.

Q: Do I have to take programming first?

A: Programming is only a prerequisite for robotics. All other technology options are available without programming knowledge. Please consider your child when registering for technology options. Kids as young as 7 years old can definitely benefit and thrive in programming but if your child has a hard time sitting for long periods of time, then we would suggest beginning with a session of digital arts or animation first.

Q: Why can't my preschooler or kindergartner come to camp?

A: Our program is appropriate only if campers know how to read, at least on a minimal level. Also,
having been to first grade gives them the added socialization skills that are necessary for collaboration in
the computer lab and teamwork on the field.

Q: Why can’t my child have their own computer during technology? Why does my child share a computer with another camper during technology?

A:
TIC believes not only in the advancing technical skills on the computer, but also taking advantage of the time in Technology to continue to foster peer relationships. By sharing the computer, in applicable Technology options, campers get to practice teamwork and collaboration, while also having the opportunity to bounce off their original ideas with another camper.

Q: What if my child requires special accommodations?

A: Because of our 1:4 teaching ratio and the supportive nature of our staff, TIC has had success with children who have mild learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADD, ADHD). We have also served children with physical disabilities (e.g. deafness or spina bifida). However, our staff is not trained in special education. Therefore, parents of children with behavioral conditions which require very close supervision must, before submitting an application, discuss with us whether TIC is appropriate for their child.

Q: What is TIC's tax ID#?

A: TIC's new tax ID# is 46-0767005. It is printed on every statement we send you.

Q: Is it possible to go half days or for only one week in a session?

A: Not unless you are willing to pay for the whole session and only attend part. We don't recommend
this, because you only experience our real "product" if you attend the full two weeks.

Q: Can I get a refund if my child decides not to come?

A: Yes, until May 1, except for the nonrefundable deposit of $200 per camper per session. There are no tuition refunds after that date.

Q: Why can't my child play only basketball in the athletic half of the day?

A: TIC is not a specialty sports camp. Our athletic program has always offered a variety of active sports, to exercise the body as well as the mind, and the wide choice of activities has always been very popular. For senior campers, basketball (or another favorite sport) can be requested as a daily one-hour "focus."

Q: Can I choose more than one tech option per session?

A: No. We don't believe in superficial learning. Campers don't just get a "taste" of each technology.
They learn to master one skill at a time by following through on a project of their own design.
Campers may choose to do a different option in each TIC session they attend, or deepen their skills if they
repeat a tech option in another session. Since the instruction is individualized, there is never any repetition—
they learn only what they want or need at any point.
Our advanced web designers who have taken many of our different tech options, may learn to do true multimedia,
combining different media in a web-based project.

Q: Why should my child take programming?

A: We believe that programming is an essential part of learning to do anything really powerful and
creative on the computer.
The benefits are explained here. Many kids come to camp wanting to design "video games." That's what
programming teaches! (Of course, game design is not the only thing one can do in programming.)

Q: Why must my child take programming before taking robotics?

A: In robotics, campers need some programming background to succeed, even though robotics also uses spatial reasoning and kinesthetic skills. Seniors who have a knowledge of C++ are able to do the most advanced projects.

Q: What if my child isn't into or doesn't like sports?

A: Don't be intimidated by the word "sports." We just want to get the kids moving and expose them to a
wide array of activities, including traditional and non-traditional sports. There is something for everyone,
and we make sure both experienced and reluctant athletes are happy. Most kids who have had a negative team experience thrive at TIC
because we make it FUN! We also offer plenty of indoor games which can include dance, yoga, four square,
gymnastics, Zumba, and lots of crazy games.

Q: What is Color War?

A:
Color War is an end of the session event where campers all placed on one of two teams and compete in fun spirited activities/games in both Technology and Athletics. Campers are highly encouraged to wear their team’s color the last two days of the session. During Closing Ceremonies the winning team of Color War is revealed and both teams celebrate the event with juice and cookies for all!

A: There are extra rentals involved in providing these options, and our capacities are limited.

Q: Why can't my child take more than one extra cost option in the same session?

A: Drama and tennis may conflict with each other in the schedule.

Q: How does TIC deal with bullying?

A: Bullying is not tolerated at TIC. Our staff are trained to be alert to any evidence of bullying. A camper who bullies other campers is sent to the office and parents are called. Depending on the severity of the incident, the camper may be asked to leave camp, with no refund of tuition.

WHY DOES TIC ROCK?

"My son had a great time with both technology and sports, which is saying a lot for a kid who isn't particularly inclined towards sports. the parent reports are so wonderful and very much appreciated."

"They wish school was as interesting as camp and wish to return as long as they are permitted. my kids did not want to leave, nor did they want the summer to end."

"The
best thing about TIC Summer Camp 2014 is that my daughter looks forward to going to camp EVERY day!"

"I'm always amazed by how happy my kids are at TIC!"

"The technology/sports combination and the feeling that TIC was a special place for campers who had attended in previous years. Many counselors knew my child and greeted him each morning - that really started the day off well!."